Solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional by applying ethical principles
Ethical Dilemma: A Nurse's Conflict of Interest
Introduction
Healthcare professionals often encounter complex ethical dilemmas that require careful consideration and decision-making. This paper will examine an ethical dilemma faced by a nurse, applying ethical principles to develop a potential solution.
Case Summary
The selected case study involves a nurse working in a small, rural hospital with limited resources. The nurse's close friend is admitted as a patient with a critical condition requiring specialized care unavailable at the local hospital. The nurse is torn between her professional duty to provide impartial care to all patients and her personal loyalty to her friend.
Ethical Dilemma
The primary ethical dilemma in this case is a conflict of interest. The nurse's personal relationship with the patient compromises her ability to maintain objectivity and provide impartial care. Additionally, there is a potential for compromising patient confidentiality due to the close relationship.
Stakeholders
Several individuals and groups are affected by this ethical dilemma:
- The nurse: Faces a conflict between professional duty and personal loyalty.
- The patient: Requires impartial care and confidentiality.
- The hospital: Must maintain ethical standards and patient safety.
- Other patients: May be affected if the nurse's judgment is impaired.
- The nursing profession: Reputation and integrity are at stake.
Ethical Decision-Making Model Analysis
Moral Awareness: The nurse recognizes the potential conflict of interest and the ethical implications of her involvement in the patient's care.
Moral Judgment: The nurse considers the ethical principles of beneficence (doing good), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), autonomy (respecting patient's self-determination), and justice (fairness). She weighs the potential benefits and harms of different courses of action.
Ethical Behavior: The nurse chooses a course of action that aligns with ethical principles and professional standards.
Factors Contributing to the Dilemma
- Small, rural hospital: Limited resources and personnel can exacerbate the situation.
- Close personal relationship: The nurse's emotional attachment to the patient clouds judgment.
- Lack of clear guidelines: The hospital may not have specific policies addressing conflicts of interest.
Ethical Principles and Peer-Reviewed Evidence
The principle of beneficence requires the nurse to act in the best interest of the patient. However, the conflict of interest may impair her ability to make unbiased decisions. The principle of non-maleficence mandates avoiding harm, which includes protecting patient confidentiality.
A peer-reviewed article by Smith et al. (2018) emphasizes the importance of disclosing conflicts of interest to maintain patient trust and ensure quality care. The authors highlight the potential for bias in decision-making when personal relationships are involved.
Communication Effectiveness
The nurse's communication with the patient, family, and colleagues is crucial. Open and honest communication can help build trust and address concerns. However, the case study does not provide details about the nurse's communication approach, making it difficult to assess its effectiveness.
Professional Responsibilities and Priorities
The nurse's primary responsibility is to the patient. In this case, she must prioritize the patient's well-being over her personal relationship. The nurse should also involve other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and minimize the impact of her conflict of interest.
Key Lessons
This case highlights the importance of establishing clear policies and procedures for managing conflicts of interest. Healthcare organizations should provide training to help staff identify and address potential conflicts. Additionally, nurses must be aware of their own biases and limitations, and seek support when needed.
Proposed Solution
To resolve this ethical dilemma, the nurse should:
- Disclose the conflict of interest: Inform the patient, family, and hospital administration about the relationship.
- Recuse herself from direct patient care: Assign another nurse to be the primary caregiver.
- Provide support: Offer emotional support to the patient and family while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Seek guidance: Consult with the hospital's ethics committee or a trusted colleague for advice.
By following these steps, the nurse can protect the patient's interests, maintain professional integrity, and prevent harm to herself and the hospital.
Conclusion
Ethical dilemmas in healthcare are complex and require careful consideration. By applying ethical principles and seeking guidance, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that prioritize patient well-being and uphold professional standards.